The Building and Grounds Committee announced plans for future renovations and additions to the University at yesterday's Board of Visitors meeting.\nOne main project is the renovation of the North Grounds Recreational Center, which will include a new pool.
Colette Sheehy, vice president for Management and Budget, said it was important not to construct "another standalone center" and instead stressed additions to the existing facility.
"The [Aquatic & Fitness Center] pool is very heavily used and can be quite restricted," she said, emphasizing that the new pool would provide relief for the University's many recreational swimmers by allowing an alternative facility when the AFC pool is reserved for events such as varsity swim meets or practices.
Additions to the facility also will include outdoor tennis courts, renovations of the racquetball courts and revamping the squash courts to meet national official guidelines.
"This would be the University's only full-service recreational center," Sheehy said. "Everything you want to do would be in one place."
Another project that the Board approved is the construction of the Ruth Caplin Theatre in the center of the Arts Commons area, an expansion of the Drama Education Building.
University Architect David Neuman announced the theatre will include a 300-seat thrust stage built to support drama, dance and music productions, as well as providing an extra classroom for lectures. One of the building's two facades will be composed of an elongated glass wall to combat excessive sunlight or warming.
"[The thrust theatre] creates a new face for the drama building," Neuman said, adding that the creation of a unified lobby and expanded restrooms will accommodate attendants for the Helms, Culbreth and Caplin Theatres.
Neuman said the long-term plan includes future additions to the drama building, library and the addition of a music building. He added that the area might even be used for Final Exercises for the Architecture School.
The Committee also voted to renovate the heating and cooling systems of many on-Grounds buildings during the next 10 years.
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